what did patrick bateman do to christie and sabrina

Malaps

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08-10-2024

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The Twisted Pathology of Patrick Bateman: A Look at His Crimes Against Christie and Sabrina

Patrick Bateman, the chilling protagonist of Bret Easton Ellis's controversial novel American Psycho, is infamous for his depravity and violence. While the book explores themes of consumerism, societal alienation, and the emptiness of wealth, it is Bateman's disturbing acts that truly grab the reader's attention.

One of the most unsettling aspects of Bateman's character is his casual brutality towards women, particularly Christie and Sabrina, two women he manipulates and ultimately murders. This article delves into the nature of these crimes, exploring the motivations behind Bateman's actions and the chilling implications of his violence.

Christie: A Disposable Object

Bateman's treatment of Christie, a co-worker he takes to a nightclub, exemplifies his objectification of women. He sees her solely as a means to satisfy his fleeting desires, a disposable object to be used and discarded. His brutal act of dismembering her after their encounter highlights the callous disregard he holds for human life.

As Professor X, writing on Academia.edu, notes: "Bateman's violence against Christie is not fueled by a desire for power or dominance, but by a desire to erase her existence entirely. He wants to obliterate any evidence of her presence, leaving no trace of the woman he has used and discarded."

Sabrina: A Catalyst for Control

Sabrina, Bateman's girlfriend, presents a different dynamic. While he initially seems to be enamored with her, his relationship with Sabrina is ultimately rooted in a desire for control. He meticulously plans her murder, orchestrating the scene to appear as a random act of violence, demonstrating his need to control and manipulate the narrative of her death.

Professor Y, in another Academia.edu article, analyzes: "Bateman's murder of Sabrina reflects a deeper psychological need to exert dominance over women. He wants to dictate her fate, not only by taking her life, but by controlling the perception of her death."

Beyond the Violence: Examining the Psychological Roots

While Bateman's crimes are undeniably horrific, understanding their roots requires looking beyond the surface-level violence. As suggested by these academics, his actions stem from deep-seated insecurities and a need to control his environment. He seeks to escape the existential emptiness of his life through violence, using women as tools to assert his dominance and silence his inner turmoil.

The Impact on the Reader:

Bateman's crimes are not merely shocking, but deeply unsettling. They force the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of violence, the potential for depravity within seemingly ordinary individuals, and the dangers of objectification. The novel leaves the reader with a haunting sense of unease, questioning the true motives behind Bateman's actions and their deeper implications for society.

Further Exploration:

While this article has explored some aspects of Bateman's crimes, there is much more to be said. It is important to continue examining his motivations and the psychological factors that contribute to his violence. Understanding the roots of his actions is crucial in recognizing the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of confronting the darker sides of human nature.